This works very nicely with the type of SanJiao theory we were discussing last night. BanXia is classified as a 温散 herb, whose primary action is one of 开通. I conceptualize the middle burner of a BanXia type as being closed, or blocked in a manner that prevents the energy of the shangjiao from properly sinking - like a wall of thick mud, hardened by the sun’s heat on the surface, but still damp beneath.

Energy trapped in the shangjiao, leads to an over-activity of the lung and heart systems in what many may mistake to be a presentation of excessive (liver) heat. It also leads to an overabundance of energy in the outermost layer of the external sanjiao - basically, a person whose energy is trapped in a pattern of constant upward and outward motion. Thus, the artist-type who is very cerebral, overly sensitive, possibly hypochondriatic, and yet very creative in their desire to share some this energy with the outside world, as well as very fashionable and photogenic with a palpable aura in that their consciousness is also focused, to a certain degree, at the surface level. I would guess that constipation and a host of allergies are also common symptoms for these types.

BanXia opens the way through the zhongjiao in formulas such as BanXiaXieXin Tang, which was originally used in the ShangHanLun for treating 心下痞, or a painless sensation of obstruction, together with the rising, outward symptoms of heat and dry heaving. Or, for conditions a few steps lower on the scale of severity, ErChenTang. The next important question, however, is to examine the deficiency of the xiajiao, and if need be address that as well - whether concurrently in the same script, or subsequent scripts. Classical sources tell us that BanXia is both 燥 drying and 润 moistening at the same time! I understand this as a transformative action that in opening the zhongjiao, converting dampness into perfectly healthy water, or kidney essence.

That is a bit more on how I am learning to view energy pattens of individuals and herbs, though far from complete. I think this type of thought combined with your ideas on tizhi really inform each other well - interested to hear your thoughts.

For instance, from what you wrote in the post, a Ban Xian personality would seem to fall more into the category of a Liver qi, slightly firey kind of person. Things like them being emotional, having many strange complaints, lively, and tending towards insomnia all make me think this way.

On the other hand, if the tongue was thick and sticky then the signs would fall more easily into the “insubstantial phlegm” category. Does Dr. Huang, or your experience, say anything about the Ban Xia tongue?

But in the end, you are right, it comes down to what you see clinically. I’ll keep my eyes open!

But, don’t take my work for it. Consider the patients you see in the clinic and see if this way of thinking rings true.